Dehradun twins climb Seven Summits for girls denied equal opportunity

Tashi and Nungshi Malik are the world’s first twins to scale the seven tallest peaks across seven continents, called the ‘Seven Summits’. And that’s just the beginning. They are also the world’s first twins to ski to the South Pole. What’s next? Read on to know more.
How did you both develop an interest in mountaineering?

Tashi: It happened by chance. Without our knowledge, our father applied for a basic mountaineering course at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi, on our behalf. Initially, we were apprehensive. Our father believed that through exposure to physical challenges, we would discover ourselves. Soon, everything started to fall in place.

Why did you two decide to scale the ‘Seven Summits’?

Nungshi: During the course of the sevenweek Mt Everest base camp we came across mountaineers who were on their ‘Seven Summit’ journey. They fascinated us. We decided that if we succeed in scaling Mt Everest, we will take on the other six of ‘Seven Summits’.

Has being twins helped you reach your goals?

Tashi: We don’t recollect anything we have done separately to date. Our profiles are a carbon copy of each other.

Do you two have a better connection than other teams?

Nungshi: Oh yes! We complement each other in unique ways. Extreme mountaineering demands full trust and team work. This is because there is substantial investment for the expedition and its preparations. No one wants to fail.

What are the risks involved?

Tashi: There is risk involved in every expedition. A big part of mountaineering is about managing risk and taking the right decision at the right time.

Nungshi: Mt Everest was the most difficult, followed by Mt McKinley in Alaska.

How does it feel to achieve so much?

Tashi: On the top of the world! We have a sense of fulfillment and pride.